New Music - Bands Heading For The Big Time

When a band becomes massive it's always nice to be the smug person who can claim to seeing them play when know one else knew who they were. Everyone is bound to think that you are the coolest person they know and treat you like some kind of god. Well not really, but if you do want to see some bands headed for the big time, then here are my tips for the hot bands on small stages this summer.

The Brute Chorus. I have seen the Brute Chorus play in London a couple of times and at Glastonbury this year on the BBC 'introducing' stage. They are signed to Bumpman records (The Hawley Arms label). They have a bluesy folk sound but dirty and rough around the edges. Fans of Nick Cave or The White Stripes would appreciate this band. Catch them at Greenbelt Festival in Cheltenham, 25th August or at Grassroots Festival in Peterborough 6th September.

The Wave Pictures have been together for a quite a long time and the past year has seen them gigging more and release 'Instant Coffee Baby' on Moshi Moshi. You can catch them at The End of the Road Festival in September and I would expect by the end of this summer they will be very big. The Wave Pictures have been one of my favourite bands of this year and I really believe in their world domination potential. They are truly brilliant.

The Runaway Sons are another band about to explode. Lead singer Jim Gipson had been solo for about a year and had supported Bert Jansch and been on tour with Richard Hawley. Early this year he formed The Runaway Sons with close friends Andy Gaines, Benn Chord and Claude Trejonis. The Runaway Sons play bluesy rock and Jims voice has been compared to both Buckley's, Gram Parsons and Robert Plant. Their live performance is always breath-taking. They have recently supported MGMT, Feeder and had a residency at Proud Galleries, Camden. Catch them at V Festival, 16th August at Chelmsford and 17th at Stafford.

Rosie Oddie and the Odd Squad are one of the most interesting new bands on the scene at the moment. The sound is unique, well crafted pop that will be filling indie dance floors across the country very soon. They stand apart from their peers in many ways, one of the most obvious being Rosie's inimitable dress sense which has caught bazaar magazines eye as well as several newspapers, winning much admiration. They have had singles released on Bloody Awful Poetry's label and you will be able to catch them at Bestival this summer.

Mumford and Sons are part of the new West London folk scene, which includes Noah and the Whale who are already set for soaring success, and Laura Marling who was recently nominated for the Mercury Prize. Marcus Mumford fronts the band (and drums for Laura Marling), the songs are full and sublime and beautiful. Listen to the gorgeous 'White Blank Page' and you will fall in love with Mumford and Sons instantly. They too will be gracing The End Of The Road festival to offer the crowds a heavenly bluegrass, folk experience.

So they are my top tips for the big time this summer. I hope you get a chance to check them out.